Organic English Thyme (1 gallon)

Organic English thyme

English thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a certified-organic culinary herb with small gray-green leaves, woody stems, and a concentrated savory aroma. This long-lived perennial works in herb beds, dry borders, raised gardens, and containers, and its foliage can be used fresh or dried in a wide range of recipes. The product is one live plant in a 1-gallon pot.

• Plant form: Certified-organic potted perennial, 1-gallon size
• USDA zones: 5–9
• Light: Full sun to partial sun; strongest, compact growth develops with abundant light
• Habit: Low, branching, woody herb
• Soil: Sandy or loamy ground with fast drainage
• Pollination: A partner plant is not needed for leaf harvest; flowers can attract visiting insects

Planting and pruning

Set the root ball at the same depth it grew in the container and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moderately moist while roots establish, then let the surface dry between deep irrigations. English thyme tolerates dry intervals after establishment but declines in waterlogged ground. In heavier soil, use a raised position or a container filled with a porous mix.

Clip shoot tips to encourage branching and remove spent flower stems as needed. Avoid cutting the entire plant back into bare old wood because leafless stems may not resprout reliably. Divide harvesting among several areas so enough foliage remains for recovery. Container plants need an open drainage hole and closer irrigation checks during hot or windy weather.

Harvest and storage

Use clean scissors to gather leafy stems before or during early bloom, when aroma is strong. Strip leaves fresh, or dry small bundles away from direct sunlight and store only when thoroughly dry. Browse other perennial herbs and compare live choices in the vegetable and herb plant collection.